Many elements of the movie came from the original book, including the Cat's and the Things' entrances, Conrad and Sally sitting at the window, the Fish's appearance, the Cat stacking items, and the clean-up scene. It also featured a scene where stains are moved from one item to another, based on the sequel book "The Cat in the Hat Comes Back." From the TV special, when the cat dresses up as a Latin dancer and then a matador, the Things play football with a pet, and the Cat's car being "three handled."